Wednesday letters to the editor

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Court needs to address issue

To the editor:

Go away, Daddy.

Do not assume these words are from a little kid. In my experience, this is the sentiment of the judicial system dealing with child custodial issues and child support. On numerous occasions, I have shown up and the matter at hand has been adjourned/cancelled until a later date. And, if any notice is given, it was typically too late, after arrangements such as getting time off from work were made. Fortunately, I am probably one of the few fathers who has some flexibility in my work schedule. For me, this has been an outrageous inconvenience, but for others it is the life with their kids at stake.

As I see it, the problem lies with the court's laissez-faire tolerance of attorney and opposing party adjournments; little or no consideration is given for a timely notice to the other party. After having experienced this phenomenon several times, I now suspect this to be at times a direct or indirect tactic used by parties/petitioners to get what they want with the hope of winning an uncontested issue. It is a process that appears to be used by some lawyers and the parties they represent, possibly resulting in a judgment of default against the other party. I am sure some fathers lose out because of this. How can the common, everyday, hardworking father (or mother in other cases) compete with such a system? Obviously, getting time off is not easy for most. Going to court and being informed the matter has been adjourned is not an "Aw, shucks, see you another day" proposition for most.

If the spirit of the court is truly an honorable one, then this issue must be addressed for our children. Don't be silent; speak out about this abominable abuse of power.

DONALD EARLEY

Midland

Quilts having an impact

To the editor:

Jan. 29 started the fifth year Midland Quiltmakers have had their ministry at the Church of the Brethren. Quiltmakers would like to thank the church and its members for our home in the Sunday school annex. In four years, 4,300 babies and children have been kept warm or comforted with our quilts throughout the U.S. and the world.

Thank you also for financial support from the Christian Service funding committee of the Blessed Sacrament Church, the rummage sale committee from Assumption Church, Kiwassee Kiwanis, Ed Chritz and others. Thank you to the people who donate fabric, yarn and supplies. To the many women and men who make quilts at home - Faye Tennant has made 2,500, Beaverton Quiltmakers meeting at the Church of God in Beaverton, Homer Methodist ladies who made afghans from donated yarn and many others working from home. To John Clever, who transports quilts to Chicago to the Daughters of Charity, Dr. Paul and Tracy Diefenbach who take quilts to Capetown, South Africa, and Eugene Adamick, who packs and takes our boxes for shipment to various places in the U.S.

All together, we make a great team and send a message that someone cares about their baby or child.

Two letters we received recently: Dover, Ohio: "Hello, my name is Erica. I am writing to say thank you for the quilt. I do not have the finances to keep heat in my house, so the quilt will keep my baby warm. The quilt is beautiful."

Addison, Mich.: "On May 11, 2005, I had two very risky and necessary surgeries at U of M. My bones in my head and face were all fused together when I was born. So I had to get it fixed afterward. I was in critical care for two days. While there, my nurse gave me a beautiful quilt. I have used it everywhere since then. So much, that it already has holes in it - mom says it is just getting worn in! It brings me such comfort everyday and I will always remember you and the comfort you brought me with this quilt." Levi, age 18 months.

Midland Quiltmakers meet on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon at the Church of the Brethren, 1717 W. Sugnet. For more information, call Judy Harris at 631-2026, Yvonne Cornell at 631-4556 or Faye Tennant at 631-6569.

JUDY HARRIS

Who's partying?

To the editor:

Referring to one of the front page stories in the 2/3/06 Midland Daily News, "Party time at Dow."

If you happen to be a retired Dow employee and your medical insurance has risen about 260 percent in three and a half years, you don't feel like partying because you can't afford it.

FRANK PETROSKI

Midland

Wire tapping not a concern

To the editor:

Much is made by some of President Bush and his wire tapping of foreign calls from suspected terrorists without FISA approval. Personally, I believe the president must have at his disposal all means to protect us from another terrorist attack. Some call the National Security Agency wire tapping program domestic spying, but that is not true, as no domestic phone calls are monitored.

It is ridiculous to mention impeachment in connection to what the president is doing, with respect to wire tapping of suspected terrorists. Some have even compared President Bush to President Nixon and Watergate, a comparison that is simply partisan politics. It is cumbersome sometimes to use the FISA Court to get approval to wire tap. Congress agrees the means to wire tap should be there, but insists the law should be changed to allow this. Some Democrats are using this issue as a Catch-22, in that they would like one to believe the president is breaking the law, but are willing to change the law. Where in actuality, no laws are being broken, so no new laws need be enacted.

Even if the National Security Agency did wire tap my personal phone calls, I would not object, if it was done in the name of national security. After all, I have nothing to hide, and won't be talking to terrorists.

REX COLEMAN

Ithaca

Show brought suffering caused by ALS to light

To the editor:

Recently, many mid-Michigan residents were captivated by actor James Woods' portrayal of a man battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) on the NBC television drama, "E.R."

Woods superbly brought to light the suffering that this terminal disease brings as it progressively weakens muscles to the point of total paralysis. ALS also can take a person's ability to breathe, speak and eat, but leaves mental function intact.

For some mid-Michigan residents, ALS is more than just TV drama: it is their everyday reality. However, help and hope is available to them from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the world leader in ALS research and services.

Along with its research seeking treatments and a cure for ALS, MDA provides top-notch health care for people with ALS at MidMichigan Medical Center. MDA also provides financial assistance for purchase and repair of assistive equipment like wheelchairs and for communications devices for those whose speech is diminished by the diseased. Support groups are another vital MDA service for people with ALS and their loved ones.

We hope that all of those who were touched by Woods' performance will support MDA's efforts to eradicate this devastating disease. Learn more at www.als-mda.org or by calling (989) 771-9612.